No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Shavonne Corbet, a veterinarian at Keys Animal Hospital who earned the nod as a finalist for Best Vet in the 2025 Best of Marathon Awards.
SHAVONNE CORBET
Keys Animal Hospital
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I moved to Marathon in 2018. I grew up in South Florida and Atlanta, but South Florida has always felt like home. I used to visit the Keys growing up and always dreamed of moving here, so after practicing in Portland, Oregon for 12 years, I returned to South Florida and met Dr. Dunn, who invited me down to visit Keys Animal Hospital. The rest is history!
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I enjoy paddleboarding, boating, snorkeling and otherwise enjoying the natural beauty and special things the Keys have to offer. Since moving here, I’ve begun to develop my skills in gardening with tropical plants and am starting to learn how to grow food here. I also love the small-town vibe and I like to see familiar faces wherever I go.
If you could have any animal as a sidekick, what would it be and what would its special skill be? An eagle. I would love to be able to fly with it!
If you could give one animal species the ability to speak, which one would you choose and what do you think they would say? That would probably be cats. My dogs are often SO good at communicating with me, but my cats can be mysterious, and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way. So often I just wonder what they’re thinking. My guess is they’d probably ask to speak to the “manager.”
What is the most unusual animal that’s been brought to you? Were you able to help it? When I was in veterinary school, I saw a snapping turtle climb out of the bed of a pickup truck driving on the highway. It was likely on its way to becoming someone’s dinner. I honked to get the driver’s attention, but he didn’t notice. The turtle rolled across the highway and fractured its shell. I ran across the highway, picked up this turtle and drove three hours back to vet school with it in the passenger seat (somehow managing to never get bit). With the help of my mentor, we fixed her shell and she was later released to a wildlife sanctuary.
When clients bring their dogs and cats in costumes or outfits, what is your reaction? It’s photo time, of course!
What is something people don’t know about you? I’m an excellent baker.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
